Saxophone Lessons in Bethesda, MD

Instruments: Guitar Saxophone Flute Clarinet Acoustic Guitar

For beginning students who are children, I begin with method books to teach the fundamentals and establish good practice routines. Once a good foundation is established, I like to move into solo and ensemble repertoire to develop lyricism and expression. For adults, I find out what the students are interested in, and direct my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun regardless of ability level. I have rigorous practice routines for all ability and commitment levels. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

My teaching experience dates back to 2014, when I taught massage therapy for a year. During that time, I realized that I have a true passion for sharing my knowledge with others. I have also taught photography lessons, as well as private music lessons. My greatest joy in teaching is creating a safe space for students to learn and grow. As someone who has been a student for many years, I understand the importance of feeling safe to take risks, make mistakes, and grow from these experiences. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

My teaching style varies for each student's individual needs. For beginner students I often try the easiest way for the student to enjoy the lesson while also giving the most value in their time. It is my desire to show every student that they have what is capable of making great music, now. Creating a supportive environment for the student to explore their instrument in all ways and gain the understanding that everything they do on their instrument is an opportunity to learn and grow is of utmost importance to me. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Saxophone Flute Synthesizer Music Keyboard

My formal teaching experience began at East Carolina University in my undergraduate years. I had the opportunity to work as an instructor for the Jazz Track at the ECU Summer Music Camp for four years before I moved on to graduate school at Peabody Conservatory. Additionally I've taught many private lessons in North Carolina and York Pennsylvania. I am proud to say my students have received honors including first chair in NCMEA All-District Jazz Ensemble as well as the ECU School of Music Scholarship. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

Progression is my primary goal for each student. When my students grow, I grow. It is imperitive that each student remembers that growth is an individualized thing. I first encourage my students to set goals. Knowing what my student has an interest in doing/becoming will help me understand better how to pace the lessons. I always encourage consistent practice and acknowledging each student's accomplishment helps drive the student's desire to want to progress. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Djembe

My approach to teaching is based on a large amount of communication between the students, the parents, and I. I love to know what my students are thinking in order to enhance what they are looking for in musicianship. I believe that musicians should be allowed to play and learn freely, however, the foundation given by learning jazz theory, gives any musicianship a bigger dynamic of playing for whatever genre they specifically like to play. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet Music

My teaching philosophy encourages exploration of music with a focus on the uniqueness of each individual student and their particular aspirations, typically emphasizing reading classical music and improvising solos for Jazz or other more contemporary styles while having fun growing as a musician! I try to make sure lessons are fun and rewarding by adapting my teaching style to focus on the student's learning style and interests. For jazz students I encourage a lot of back and forth play-a-long between myself and the student or between the student and a play-a-long track. Read More